Is it possible to mix motor oils?

Is it possible to mix mineral water with synthetics?

Most drivers are convinced that mixing lubricants can harm the engine. There is also a completely different opinion, according to which mixing different oils does not threaten the engine. Car enthusiasts need to know which of these opinions is correct.

It is also necessary to understand how to distinguish mineral oil from synthetic oil. This will allow you to correctly select the optimal lubricant that will ensure uninterrupted operation of the internal combustion engine.

The engine can be operated without oil, but only for a very short time. This will absolutely lead to failure of the power unit. The purpose of motor oil is as follows:

Prevention of wear, jamming, and other malfunctions.
Reducing energy losses to a minimum.
Engine cleaning.
Engine overheating protection.
Reducing noise and vibration of gears, reducing loads.

Mineral oil is produced by direct processing of petroleum. It has variable indicators and evaporates heavily.

In order to improve its characteristics, various additives are used. They quickly destroy the structure of the lubricant, which is why it must be replaced frequently.

Synthetics are produced in a laboratory. When synthesizing it, it is possible to set the necessary indicators. The lubricant is characterized by stability, high viscosity and temperature characteristics. They do not add too many additives to it.

Synthetics do not need to be changed as often as mineral water. It is more thermally stable, resistant to oxidation, evaporates little, and forms few carbon deposits.

Any petroleum products, whether mineral or synthetic oils, contain certain additives, such as:

depressor;
anti-foam;
viscous;
cleansing;
reducing friction;
anti-wear;
anti-corrosion;
antioxidant.

Will the engine run well if you mix mineral oil and synthetics?

It all depends on the additives. If the additives are incompatible, do not pour the mixed product into the engine. It is better to buy a normal lubricant that is optimal for your engine.

Automotive lubrication tasks

The engine, judging by the research results, is able to function without oil. However, it will break quickly. Oily fluid performs the following tasks:

protection of contacting parts from wear, jamming and other malfunctions;
reduction of energy losses;
cleaning the power unit;
heat removal from rubbing parts;
reduction of noise, vibration of gears, reduction of shock loads.

Full functions of motor oil
Simply put, motor oil allows the engine to function for a long time and without interruption.

When a lubricant change is needed, rules for flushing the engine

When replacing the lubricant, the driver must wash the power unit. Flushing is also carried out when foreign substances (coolant, fuel) enter the engine, or when repairs are carried out that involve opening the cylinder head. Also, if the car was purchased secondhand, and there is no data on the frequency of lubricant changes, it is necessary to flush the engine.

The car's power unit is washed as follows:

Warm up the engine and drain the used oil. Wait until as much lubricant as possible drains out of the engine. It is advisable to place the machine on a lift.
Pour in new lubricant. Install another oil filter.
Do not overload the engine for at least a couple of days.
Replace the oil again. Repeat the above steps, including changing the oil filter.
Make the next replacement when you have completed half the previous mileage. For example, if you previously changed the lubricant every ten thousand kilometers, now you will have to change it every five thousand kilometers.

If you still doubt the cleanliness of the motor, reduce the replacement interval. This will definitely not harm the power unit.

All-season semi-synthetics are optimal for almost any unit. It contains many special additives that reduce friction of contacting parts. All-season lubricants are universal and can improve vehicle performance. Before adding car oil, consult with the car service staff. The petroleum product used must be approved by the car manufacturer.

Semi-synthetic

The name itself suggests that it is a combination of the first two types of oils.

Advantages:

Low cost. The price is second only to mineral oils.
Compatible with vehicles running on any fuel.
Low volatility.
Prevents the formation of limescale.

Acceptable oil combinations:

Mineral water with semi-synthetics. If the engine previously used mineral lubricant, then mixing with semi-synthetics is acceptable. Synthetics with a polyalphaolefin base are also suitable. The following types of oils can also be added to mineral oils: polyester, silicone, glycol. In this case, one should take into account such a nuance as the chemical composition of the synthetic product.
Synthetics and their mixing. Is it possible to mix oil with other oils if we are talking about synthetics? Almost all today's product manufacturers develop products in accordance with European standards. This allows them to be mixed. But this is not a fact that the result will be positive. In some cases, the following troubles may occur: sedimentation, the appearance of foam. They are simply kept to a minimum compared to other types of oils. A minimal number of flaws means you have purchased a high-quality product. Before mixing oils, it is necessary to take into account that you must carry out the first maintenance with the oil recommended by the manufacturer, having previously flushed the systems.
Mixing synthetics and semi-synthetics. If at the time the oil level dropped in your car you had synthetic in it and only semi-synthetic oils were available, you are saved. You can safely mix products such as 5W40 and 10W40. This viscosity will range from 6W40 to 8W40. The best option is considered to be a combination of existing oil with a higher quality one. In other words, semi-synthetic oils can be diluted with synthetic ones. Mixing synthetics with semi-synthetics is allowed only in critical cases.
Products from one manufacturer. According to many experts, it is possible to mix motor oils of the same brand. This statement is true, since oils from the same manufacturer are very similar in chemical composition. In other words, they have the same base, and their chemical composition contains an identical set of additives. Based on this, mixing oils of the same brand is quite acceptable. In addition, car enthusiasts should know that sometimes situations arise when the same oil is sold under different brands.
Oils from different manufacturers. Is it possible to mix oils from different manufacturers? One of the risky mixing options, since no one guarantees 100% efficiency due to different manufacturing processes. But this does not mean that the result will immediately be negative. It happens that when combining such oils, minimal foaming and an unnoticeable sediment are observed. Unfortunately, this happens quite rarely.

Types of modern motor oils

Oils produced today for car engines include 2 components - a base fluid and an additive package. The base oil occupies at least eighty percent of the volume. Additive elements can occupy no more than twenty percent of the total volume of the lubricant. The base fluid can be mineral, semi-synthetic, or synthetic. Additive packages may vary, but not too significantly.

There are 4 types of motor oils, each of which includes a base fluid and an additive package. Additives add special properties to the oil.

Mineral. Produced from petroleum through selective purification. During manufacturing, paraffins are separated and hydrotreated. This creates a foundation. Mineral oil costs less than synthetics and semi-synthetics.
Synthetic. Manufactured through chemical synthesis. As a result of synthesis, hydrocarbon molecules of the same size are formed. The process is very complicated, which is why such lubricants are more expensive than others.
Semi-synthetic. They combine an artificial product with a mineral one. The price of semi-synthetics is higher than that of mineral lubricants, but lower than that of synthetics.
Hydrocracking. An intermediate option between synthetic and semi-synthetic motor oils. These are mineral lubricants that have been treated with the hydrocracking method. In terms of cost, such a lubricant is cheaper than a synthetic one.

This is interesting: What is antifreeze and why is it needed?

To mix or not?

Let's say right away that oils can be mixed, but there are some aspects to this procedure. Theoretically, it is possible to mix different motor fluids. You are immediately convinced of this when you learn about the existence of a type of oil called “semi-synthetic”. We know that synthetics include only artificially created chemicals, while organics contain natural minerals. Semi-synthetics are a symbiosis of these two types.

Although the car will not stall after filling with a third-party working fluid, this procedure should be resorted to only in extreme cases. If it is not possible to find a suitable lubricant, then you can fill it with a third-party one from other manufacturers.

If you need to get home

Trouble can overtake you right on the road or in another city. Here the driver is faced with the question of finding the right oil or filling in a third-party fluid. In such a situation, you must know exactly what fluid is in the expansion tank of your car.

The store or car market may not have oil from the same manufacturer. In this case, you can buy motor fluid from other manufacturers, the condition is to purchase a working fluid with the same parameters as the liquid that has run out. For example, the tank may contain lubricant with 10W-30 characteristics; you need to fill in oil with identical characteristics. Another requirement is that the synthetics must be filled with “synthetics”. This applies to both semi-synthetic and mineral oils, which are added to semi-synthetic or “mineral water”.

If you had to mix different brands, then the final destination should be the house, where the liquid will be completely removed and the already homogeneous liquid will be filled. The experience of car service technicians shows that two types of lubricants with the same parameters, but from different manufacturers, can provoke different reactions that negatively affect the condition of the engine.

Each company has the secrets of its composition, so after arriving home you need to perform the following steps:

We drain all the working fluid that is in the expansion tank and the motor.
Fill in the flushing oil and let the engine run for 10-15 minutes. The flushing fluid contains a set of cleaning additives that will remove traces of previous oils from the engine.
After turning off the engine, you need to drain the flushing oil and fill in the main one you are using.

***

We hope that this material will help many motorists. Now you know that you can mix different motor lubricants. The main thing is that the characteristics match, then there will be no significant damage to the motor, but in emergency cases you can break the rules.

Choosing motor oil

Classification and standards of motor oils

Is it possible to mix different types of oils without harming the engine?

Elementary chemistry will help answer this question. It has long been known that motor oil bases are highly miscible, an example being semi-synthetic lubricants. However, additives with different chemical compositions are used for different oil bases. For example, additives must be added to mineral oils to ensure stable viscosity, while synthetic fluids do not require this at all. Therefore, mixing synthetics and mineral water is one of the worst options that can harm your power unit.

In this case, the most profitable option would be to use semi-synthetic oils, which, if necessary, can be diluted with both synthetics and mineral water with less risk. Moreover, by adding high-quality synthetic oil to semi-synthetics, you can safely drive this mixture until the system is drained as planned. For example, by mixing semi-synthetic 10W-40 and synthetic oil 5W40 in approximately equal proportions, the result will be a working mixture with a viscosity of approximately 6-8 W40.

Do not forget that even with a complete oil change, about 10% of the previous fluid always remains in the system. This is not a big indicator, however, in some cases, and it can cause serious harm when interacting with new oil.

The brand and viscosity characteristics today have lost their former relevance. But still, in order not to harm the engine, you should only add oil to an engine of a different brand if absolutely necessary. And the best option is to remember what kind of oil was originally filled and always have it on hand. This is a good habit that can prolong the operation of the car and protect the driver from unnecessary problems with the engine in the event of an incorrect reaction of the combined fluids.

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Main differences between lubricants

At least a basic understanding of the types of oils and their compositions makes it clear whether different brands and types can be combined with each other. The first part of the motor lubricant is called base, the second part includes special additives. A mixture of two components creates certain lubricant characteristics. The main difference between the types in the base is that it can be based on minerals or synthetics. As for semi-synthetic lubricant, its base part contains synthetic and mineral bases. A semi-synthetic working fluid contains 70% of the mineral base, and a synthetic fluid, respectively, 30%.

Obviously, synthetics need to be mixed with synthetics, and organics with organics. But what will happen when mixing different types of motor oils? The resulting mixture will not perform all the tasks of the working fluid, while some additives from the mineral fluid simply will not interact with the additives of the synthetic lubricant, as a result, they will dissolve. Additives, like the base, are created separately for mineral and synthetic oils. You cannot mix “synthetics” and “mineral water”. Within a few hours of working with such a mixture, coked rings and various slags will appear in the motor channels, after which the engine will fail.

Mixing 5W30 and 5W40 oils

5W30 and 5W40 oils can be mixed. For example, if you have a sharp drop in fluid level on the road and there is no supply of 5W40 synthetic, but there is a similar fluid with a similar label and markings, but from a third-party manufacturer, in this case 5W30 oil from your manufacturer will help you. If you add the specified fluid to the engine, there will be no problems with engine operation. The maximum that can happen is a slight decrease in viscosity. When using all-season fluid 5W30 or 5W40, the engine starts at a temperature of 35 degrees. The result of this mixing will be slight changes in the coefficient of temperature viscosity. This result is also not critical, since the negative side will only be visible when the engine is running at elevated temperatures. The driver will just have to take a little care of the car and not overload it.

What does an engine need oil for?

– protects friction surfaces from wear, jamming and other damage;

– reduces energy loss due to friction to a minimum;

– is cleaning the engine system;

– removes heat from friction surfaces;

– reduces noise and vibration of gears, reduces shock loads.

In a word, it ensures long and uninterrupted operation of the car engine.

Mixing oils from different manufacturers

Mixing products from different brands is also completely acceptable. Of course, if you do not take into account very low-quality oils. Despite the fact that all manufacturers add different additives and in different proportions, there will be no disaster when mixing them. Yes, they may well react with each other, but there will be no results such as foaming of the lubricant or sedimentation.

In the worst case, the mixture will lose the proprietary positive properties of oils, but will remain quite suitable for the car to travel up to 2000 km. Of course, you need to drain it from the engine as quickly as possible. If, after topping up with products from another brand, the power unit fails, this only means that it didn’t have much time left in any case.

Under what conditions can mineral and semi-synthetic oils be mixed together?

While on the road, the driver may run out of lubricant. And if he does not have a can of oil, then he will have to use any possible option to get to his home or the nearest car service center. Another situation related to replacing lubricants is the need to change one oil to another. Both liquids can differ greatly from each other, both in manufacturer, type and viscosity.

It is best to use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.

If we consider this procedure taking into account the preservation of the longevity of the motor declared by the manufacturer, then its feasibility is a big question. The driver must take a more practical approach to solving oil problems. First of all, the best choice for a car engine is the fluid recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Make the right choice right away. The ideal choice is the brand of oil that is indicated in the car's passport. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and avoid dangerous experiments. And one extra liter of oil in your trunk will not become an unbearable load for your car.

Before mixing lubricants, think again about what you can gain and lose. How much damage can the procedure cause to the engine? Some beginners are afraid that as soon as they start mixing oils, they will immediately begin to curdle. Such fears need to be dispelled; nothing terrible will happen. It is possible to mix different oils, as evidenced by the existence of semi-synthetics.

However, it is necessary to follow certain rules during the mixing procedure. If additives begin to conflict, there is only one result - engine breakdown and expensive overhaul. Such consequences can be avoided. Oils of the same type, even from different manufacturers, mix well with each other. When lubricant products are of different types, then a number of important nuances will need to be taken into account.

When is it possible to mix mineral water with semi-synthetics?

During a trip, a car enthusiast may run out of lubricant. If there is no container with car oil, you will need to do everything possible to get to your home, car service center and fill up with oil. Also, drivers sometimes want to change the lubricant to another one that differs significantly in its characteristics from the one that was filled.

If you decide to change the oil to something completely different, know that this will not have the best effect on the engine. Remember that it is best to use the oil recommended by your car manufacturer. Don't experiment. It is better to put a canister of spare lubricant in the luggage compartment.

Before adding another lubricant to the oil, weigh all the pros and cons of this procedure. Inexperienced drivers are afraid of the oil turning off when filling, and this is completely in vain. So is it possible to mix lubricants? Yes, proof of this is the existence of semi-synthetic oils.

When adding oil to an already filled petroleum product, follow some rules. If the additives turn out to be incompatible, the motor will break down and will have to be overhauled. Such developments can be prevented. Motor oils of the same type from different manufacturers combine well with each other. When lubricants differ in origin, certain nuances must be taken into account.

Rules for mixing lubricants in gearboxes

If everything is done correctly, the unit will not be damaged. When adding lubricant to the box, follow these rules:

If you are afraid that the main fluids will be incompatible, use petroleum products manufactured by the same company. Different manufacturers use different techniques. The exact composition has not been disclosed. Therefore, when switching to mixed oil, it is better to use products from the same manufacturer.
If there is no other way out, you can add motor oil to the gearbox, which has viscosity characteristics that differ from the product already filled. The main thing is brand consistency. When the oil level reaches the emergency line, you don’t have to think long, especially if you need to immediately drive on. Adding another lubricant is reminiscent of implantation. You need to get rid of it before it is rejected by the unit. Mixed oils should not be used constantly.
When changing car oil, a car enthusiast does not completely get rid of used lubricant. Approximately five to ten percent remains in the aggregate. The remains of the old consumable are mixed with the oil being poured. Because of this, the characteristics of the new motor oil differ from those written on the canister label. If you want to use your car to its full potential, you need to perform several fills.

Inexperienced drivers who have never changed the car oil themselves are advised to go to a car service center. Its qualified employees will carry out all procedures themselves.

If you know how to change oil, make an inspection hole in your own garage (for your own safety). You will need to buy an oil filter, which is replaced along with the car oil.

How to mix correctly

If you urgently need to add lubricant, but you don’t have the right one at hand, you can take another one, but take into account the compatibility of the motor oils. To the mineral “15W40” you can add semi-synthetic “15W40” or similar in labeling. The semi-synthetic “10W40” can be filled with synthetic “5W40”. You can safely add synthetic “5W30” to synthetic “5W40”.

Do not mix oils of different brands

Important! If you have already mixed the lubricants incorrectly, immediately go to the service station! The same applies to situations when fake oil is poured. API and ACEA requirements do not apply to it.

General rules for mixing motor lubricants:

the purpose of the lubricant is taken into account - what kind of transport it was created for, cars or trucks;
it is advisable to combine compounds with the same viscosity, since this is the most important parameter affecting the properties of the oil;
It is better to use oils from the same manufacturer;
the quality of the lubricant only improves - you need to add “semi-synthetic” to “mineral water”, “synthetic” to “semi-synthetic”, not vice versa.

It is strictly not recommended to reduce the quality of the mixed substances and add more than 20% of the new composition.

Conclusion

For me personally, the general conclusion on the question of whether it is possible to mix motor oils from different manufacturers is that it is possible, but not necessary, at least not unless absolutely necessary. That is, if you are making a routine replacement of a lubricant, it is better to pour a high-quality lubricant provided by the manufacturer, and not engage in collective farming and create cocktails, from which the health of the engine may suffer.

I believe that mixing is acceptable during emergency stops:

It leaked far from civilization, and in the trunk there is a canister with another
The level of lubricant dropped sharply on a deserted road, while the car has a spare one, but from a different manufacturer and brand
Perhaps some other not very standard situations

In all other cases, it is better not to deal with chemicals and take care of your car.

Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3/B4

Castrol oil is widely known among car enthusiasts for its high degree of reliability and quality. Most high-speed cars use oils of this brand.

When operating a car, motorists should remember that a large percentage of engine wear occurs as a result of starting it. Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3/B4 oil allows you to protect it from the very beginning.

When the engine is not running, simple oil does not linger on it, thereby exposing the most important parts of the power unit. Castrol Magnatec 5W-40 A3/B4 oil flows around every part of the engine, covering it with a heavy-duty oil film, which provides additional protection when the engine starts. The result of use is to minimize the risk of engine wear.

Which engines cannot be filled with synthetics and in what cases is it the best choice?

Every car owner who plans to use their car for a long time, of course, pays special attention to their engine. He strives to ensure its reliable and stable operation. In order to achieve what you want, it is necessary to regularly change lubricants. The most important thing is to use high-quality oil that is suitable for the engine. Many motorists have heard about the recommendation to fill power units with synthetic oil, which is a better product compared to mineral oils. However, it is not recommended to use it in all cases.

What happens if... you mix mineral oil with synthetic oil

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We continue to publish articles from the “What happens if...” series. Today we will discuss what will happen if mineral oil is added to an engine that already has synthetic oil.

The debate about what will happen if you add mineral oil to synthetic engine oil and vice versa has been going on for years. Some say that such a “cocktail” can cause irreparable harm to the engine. Others argue that there should be no problems, emphasizing that the main thing is to use oil from the same manufacturer.

Let's figure out whether it is so harmful for the engine to mix mineral oil with synthetic oil.

Is it possible to pour synthetics into the engine after mineral water?

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Is it possible to put synthetic into the engine?
For 5 years I filled with mineral water and semi-synthetics. It doesn't eat oil, it doesn't seem to be leaking anywhere. Nothing bad will happen. Just rinse the engine before adding synthetics and that’s it. That is, rinse, if the last one was mineral water, if it was semi-synthetic, you can pour synthetic without rinsing, only in this situation there will be a trace. I would have changed the oil twice earlier, and then changed it according to plan. All this applies if the synthetics are not scorched. If it's a mess, you can expect anything.

And how it flowed from one thing to another. Or first one then the other?

Thank you. We will try.

A year ago I flushed the engine with semi-synthetic BP Visco3000 10w40 with the addition of a can of flushing agent. Moreover, the next day after filling this oil, because... at -30 gr. frozen

, had to change to something else.

Thank you. We will try. A year ago I flushed the engine with semi-synthetic BP Visco3000 10w40 with the addition of a can of flushing agent. Moreover, the next day after filling this oil, because... at -30 gr. frozen

, had to change to something else.

1)BP Visco3000 10w40 works in the range of -20 +40 before buying - it was better to ask. in our climate during the winter, min 5w30, or better yet 0w40 2) a can of rinsing is added to the already used oil shortly before the change from 5 minutes at XX to 300 km, depending on the can READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PACKAGING.

you were very lucky that you drained the oil - in five minutes you wouldn’t have gone far

buy flushing oil, then fill it with semi-synthetic if you like - BP Visco5000 5w40 is enough for the winter. If it runs through the oil seals, it means the oil seals are already worn out completely.

603

1. I know the operating range of the oil, but in the store the salesman advised exactly this, taking into account the fact that the car was parked in an open parking lot, so I believed him

2. That’s what they did: into this oil, which had only worked for 1 day, they poured a can of rinsing, and then, after 10 minutes, they drained it, which had already turned black. Then they poured Chevron 5w30 mineral water.

Maybe I just didn't write clearly

2) a can of rinsing is added to an already used area shortly before the shift from 5 minutes at XX to 300 km, depending on the can. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PACKAGING.

There are actually different types of washings. Just a second.

603

1. I know the operating range of the oil, but in the store the salesman advised exactly this, taking into account the fact that the car was parked in an open parking lot, so I believed him

Well, brother, you're cool. rinse with BP Visco3000 and drain, but driving a Chevron-5w30-mineral water is cool. Why don't you use flushing oil for flushing? and it costs 5-6 times cheaper and there are many times more DETERGENT additives in it than BP (although there are almost no others).

in principle, if you really want, you can rinse it a couple of times and replace the filters (you can take the cheapest one - still for 10 minutes of work) ride for a week/month on inexpensive synthetic TNK/Lukoil/ZIC then if everything is ok

and nothing leaks or smokes, fill in something made of synthetics.
According to the budget, it’s also 600 rubles, but the flushing is CAPITAL
of course, it’s better to do everything before the cold weather!

IMHO the salesman in the store scammed you like a minus five hundred, don’t go there anymore, but focus more on oilclub.ru

Well, brother, you're cool. rinse with BP Visco3000 and drain and drive Chevron-5w30 - mineral water is cool. Why don't you use flushing oil for flushing? and it costs 5-6 times cheaper and there are many times more DETERGENT additives in it than BP (although there are almost no others).

Well, what was left to do? Don't let the oil go to waste

change anyway!

Source

Why is it not necessary to put synthetics into a new car?

If you become the owner of a new car, then there is no point in using synthetics. This is an oil that has powerful anti-wear properties and also contains additives that increase its anti-friction properties. If you have purchased high-quality synthetics, you can rest assured that it contains additives that, when in contact with parts, contribute to the formation of a film on their surface that protects engine parts from severe wear. However, when the car is running in, something completely different is required. The most important thing is for the new parts to get used to each other. If a car enthusiast pours synthetics into the engine of a new car, he will not be able to achieve this goal.